Fireworks and 4th of July fun sizzle all around Oakland County

Spectators enjoy the culmination of the annual Festival of the Hills event: the Fireworks Show. Photo taken on Wednesday, June 29, 2011, at Borden Park in Rochester Hills, Mich. (The Oakland Press/Jose Juarez)

Spectators enjoy the culmination of the annual Festival of the Hills event: the Fireworks Show. Photo taken on Wednesday, June 29, 2011, at Borden Park in Rochester Hills, Mich. (The Oakland Press/Jose Juarez)

Forego the couch this Independence Day holiday and head out to one of Oakland County's many 4th of July events.

Camp out and watch fireworks in Highland Township, catch a rabbit race at the Oakland County Fair or throw red, white and blue confetti at one -- or all -- of the local parades.

Start the holiday celebrations early at Hart Plaza in Detroit at 10 p.m. Monday, June 24, for the Ford Fireworks display presented by Target. Ford's sponsorship of this long-held Detroit event led to a name change this year, but these famous fireworks will light up the Detroit river just as they have for the past 55 years. Just get there early if you want a spot-this event draws a huge crowd.

If you're planning to stay closer to home, these Oakland County events and festivals will help you get out of the house -- you can leave fireworks to the professionals. All fireworks shows begin at dusk, approximately 10 p.m.

Festival of Fun runs 10 a.m.-10 p.m. July 4 at Clintonwood Park, with fireworks at dusk. Admission is free. Clarkston's day-long holiday activities kick off with an Independence Day parade on Main Street beginning at St. Daniel Catholic Church and ending at the Renaissance High School parking lot. The Festival of Fun begins at 11 a.m. at Clintonwood Park and features an arts and crafts show until 5 p.m., live entertainment, food, Veterans Recognition. Visit clarkston.org/July4thIndependenceTownshipParade.htm

Clawson

Clawson 4th of July, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Clawson Park, fireworks at dusk, admission: $2. Come to Clawson for the annual parade and festivities. The parade kicks off the events at 9 a.m., an arts and crafts show in Clawson Park beginning at 10 a.m. The carnival opens at 11 a.m., and guests can enjoy amusement rides and games for a $2 entry fee. Other events include a horse show sponsored by Horses Heal Hearts, baseball and softball games, a skateboard exhibition and a "water battle" between the Clawson and Troy fire departments at 1 p.m. Visit clawson4thofjuly.org or call 248-270-7044.

Davisburg

Oakland County Fair: 9 a.m.-11 p.m. July 4-14, Springfield Oaks County Park, fireworks on July 4 at dusk. Admission: $10 per vehicle/$5 per motorcycle (includes all passengers), $5 per walk-in, carnival ride arm bands: from $12-$20 per day, and individual pricing for other events, grandstand events: $10 adults 14+, $5 kids, free under 5 years old. From rabbit racing and sheep judging to contests and karaoke, Oakland County's annual fair is packed with 11 days of events, games, rides and live entertainment at Springfield Oaks County Park beginning July 4. Oakland County Parks and Detroit's Country 99.5 WYCD-FM radio hosts a free concert called "Nashville in the Neighborhood." Visit oakfair.org or call 248-634-8830

Groveland Twp.

Fireworks Fest Weekend: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. July 4-7, Groveland Oaks Park with fireworks at dusk July 6. Admission: $10/vehicle after 12 p.m. or free with annual vehicle permit. Celebrate Independence Day in Holly at Groveland Oaks Park for a weekend of patriotic activities. Events will take place over four days and include bingo, a bike parade, patriotic art, magic shows, live music. Visit www.destinationoakland.com or call 248-634-9811

Sparks in the Park: Milford High School, 3 p.m. - 10 p.m. June 29 with fireworks at dusk. Admission is free. Great Camp Out: $35. Attendees can listen to free live music starting at 5 p.m. or shop around at Sparks Market Avenue, a flea market-style array of unique gift stands and food vendors. This event also offers something unique -- community-style camping. Huron Valley Recreation is hosting "The Great Campout," an overnight activity where families can bring tents and camp in the high school parking lot. For $35, participants get a 15' by 15' tent space, free food, swimming, campfire activities and games and a front-row seat for the 10 p.m. fireworks show. Visit hwlba.com under "events" or call 248-889-1422.

Huntington Woods

RunWalkBoom fundraiser to pay for the city's fireworks takes place 8:30 a.m. June 29. Cost varies from $5-30. People can register to run, walk, volunteer or donate at www.RunWalkBOOM.com or at city's Recreation Center up until the events begin on June 29. The 1 mile starts at 8:30 a.m., the 5K at 9 a.m. Call 248-408-2986.

Lake Orion

4th of July Fireworks take place over the lake at dusk. Admission is free.

Festival in the Park: June 30, Civic Center Park at dusk. Admission is free.

Ortonville

Fireworks: June 29 at Brandon Middle School at dusk. Admission is free.

Oxford

Seymour Celebration: 11 a.m. - 10:15 p.m. June 27-29 at Seymour Lake Township Park. Fireworks: at dusk on June 28 and 29. Admission is free, $5 parking after 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday for fireworks. This three-day festival features live music, more than 20 amusement park rides and games, and two days of fireworks. Shop around or host a tent at the "Clean Sweep" community garage sale from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday. Visit seymourcelebration.com or call 248-628-1720

Rochester Hills

Festival of the Hills: 6 p.m.-10 p.m. June 26, Earl E. Borden Park. Fireworks at dusk. Admission is free. Rochester's annual Festival of the Hills begins at 6 p.m. at Borden Park with live music, games, and Michigan's 2nd largest fireworks show at 10:06 p.m. Admission and parking is free, but with more than 50,000 guests attending each year, arriving early is recommended to get a parking spot. Leave your pets, alcohol and personal fireworks at home - they're not allowed. Visit rochesterhills.org or call 248-656-4664

Royal Oak

Red Run Golf Club Fireworks: June 27, Red Run Golf Club at dusk. No public viewing on club property.

Sylvan Lake

Oakland County Boat Club Fireworks: July 3, over Sylvan Lake at dusk. Admission is free.

Waterford Twp.

Big Bang Fireworks: July 6, over Maceday Lake at dusk. Admission is free.

White Lake Twp.

White Lake Fireworks on June 29, at south end of White Lake at dusk. Admission is free.

Wixom

Independence Day Celebration: 6 p.m.-10 p.m. June 27, Sibley Park, with fireworks at dusk. Admission is free. Two local bands, 2XL and Steve King & The Dittilies, will play. Visit cityofwixom.com or call 248-624-2850

Wolverine Lake

Tiki Night and Fireworks: July 3, over the lake at dusk. Admission is free.